2014 toyota prius Model Overview

Overall Rating:

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3 of 5

New for 2014

The 2014 Toyota Prius remains mostly unchanged. Toyota has reduced the starting price for Plug-in models by just over $2,000 with the base model now starting at $30,800 (including destination) and the Advanced trim at $35,715, a $4,620 drop.

Vehicle Summary

The Toyota Prius is the world’s best-selling hybrid. The four-door midsize hatchback is sold as regular hybrid and plug-in models. Regular versions come in Two, Three, Four and Five grades while the Plug-in is available in base or Advanced trims. There are also two other versions of the Prius lineup: the larger Prius V wagon for families and the subcompact Prius C hatchback, which is a city car.

Overview

With its ultra-efficient powertrain, the Toyota Prius is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles sold in the U.S. Utilizing a 1.8-liter hybrid I-4 producing a combined output of 134 hp and paired to a continuous variable transmission (CVT). Regular hybrid models achieve impressive 51/48 mpg city/highway from the EPA. While Plug-in models are rated at the same 51/48 mpg as the non-plug-in, to the PHEV can cruise for 11 miles on EV power alone and reach 62 mph on battery power alone. Charge time for the Prius Plug-in is three hours using a 110-volt outlet and 100 minutes at 240 volts.

While an engaging drive and handling are not its strengths, Toyota offers the Prius PLUS Package on the non-PHEV to improve the car’s driving dynamics with larger wheels and suspension upgrades. However, the Prius isn’t as comfortable as the Camry or Avalon hybrids and doesn’t drive as well as some of its competitors.

Inside the 2014 Prius, the lack of refinement is evident due to Toyota’s sacrifices in the name of still-impressive fuel economy. Low-quality interior materials, a noisy cabin, and an unintuitive center stack controls contribute to a feeling of substandard build quality.

All 2014 Toyota Prius models with the exception of the Plug-in model, which hasn’t been tested, have a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA (out of a possible five stars). The IIHS also awarded it with a Top Safety Pick+ award, scoring good across four tests with the exception of the small overlap front category, where it scored acceptable (good is the highest possible score).

What We Think

The Prius remains one of the benchmarks of ultra-efficient hybrid vehicles with its extraordinary fuel economy and value. In a 2013 Big Test review comparing diesel and hybrid vehicles, we praised the Prius for its low costs of ownership. Additionally, in a 2013 Comparison Test with the Chevrolet Volt, we noted that Toyota has thought the Prius Plug-in “through and through,” intentionally designing it with fuel efficiency in mind. However, in a 2013 First Test of a Prius Four, we noted that the noisy cabin, flat seats, and rough ride with the PLUS package suspension upgrades made the car jarring and uncomfortable to drive.

Rating

2014 Toyota Prius Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$24,200

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$17,725

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

Recall ID#14V053000 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: SOFTWARE

Consequence

The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Units Affected

698457

Recall ID#14V053000 - HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER

Consequence

The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

2014 Toyota Prius News and Reviews

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